Policy, investment and markets News for September 2011

Policy, investment and markets News Archive

Suntech named Sustainability Champion by World Economic Forum

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a New Sustainability Champion in WEF's report ‘Redefining the Future Growth: The New Sustainability Champions’.

Germany's KfW Group invests heavily to turn German energy supply

KfW Bankengruppe is committing over €100 billion for investments in the energy sector in Germany in the next five years to aid the turnaround of the German energy supply system and to incorporate more renewable energy.

New York invests US$150m in renewable energy projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) have made US$150 million available to fund a range of renewable energy projects in New York State.

Scottish spending review includes renewable energy funding

Scotland's draft budget and spending review includes provisions for developing the low-carbon economy, including renewable energy.

UK engineers positive to European Supergrid

The UK Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) says commitment, determination and a long-term approach by the UK Government “will be crucial” for the successful realisation of a European Supergrid.

Financing secured for 400 MW Anholt offshore wind farm

The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and DONG Energy have signed a €240 million loan deal for financing the 399.6 MW Anholt offshore wind farm in Danish waters.

Environmental studies underway for Humber wind farm cables

Thomson Ecology are carrying out pre-construction surveys for the 30 km cable route from Easington to Salt End, Hull, UK, for E.ON Climate and Renewables' Humber Gateway offshore wind farm.

World energy use up 53% by 2035

The world energy use could rise 53% by 2035 with China and India accounting for half of the total growth, according to the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) International Energy Outlook 2011.

US solar PV grew 69% in Q2 2011

The US solar PV market grew 69% in the second quarter (Q2) this year over the same period last year with the installation of 314 MW.

AMSC accuses Sinovel of IP theft and breach of contracts

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) is taking a series of legal actions against its largest customer, Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd, accusing Sinovel of theft of intellectual property (IP) and breach of contract.

UK’s first public hydrogen refueling station opens at Honda facility in Swindon UK’s first public hydrogen refueling station opens at Honda facility in Swindon

The first open-access hydrogen vehicle refueling station in the UK has been officially opened at Honda’s car manufacturing facility in Swindon. The hydrogen fueling station was built and is operated by industrial gases giant BOC.

China's fast-growing industry parks – an opportunity to be seized

China's fast-growing industrial parks could be an opportunities for companies wishing to enter or expand their presence in China, according to Lux Research.

Solar PV system costs significantly down in 2010 and 2011

The cost of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the USA fell “substantially” in 2010 and the first half of 2011, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Conergy discontinues solar wafer and cell manufacturing – lays off 100

Conergy will discontinue its wafer and solar cell manufacturing and lays off 100 permanent employees due to substantial price pressure and over-capacity in the solar photovoltaics (PV) market.

Fuel Cell Today sees promising outlook for fuel cell sector in new 2011 Industry Review

Fuel Cell Today has launched its 2011 Industry Review at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Glasgow, UK. The free report summarises the state of the industry by application, region, and fuel cell type, and considers the outlook for the portable, stationary, and transport sectors.

California improves renewable energy incentive programme

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has improved and streamlined its Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) for renewable and green energy, including modifying the eligibility criteria and incentive amounts and payment structures.

Solar PV microinverters and power optimisers up 500% in 2010 Solar PV microinverters and power optimisers up 500% in 2010

Shipments of solar photovoltaic (PV) microinverters and power optimisers soared over 500% in 2010, according to analyst IMS Research.

UK microgeneration spurred by feed-in tariff UK microgeneration spurred by feed-in tariff

Renewable energy microgeneration uptake in the UK is increasing with a 400% jump since the feed-in tariff was introduced in April 2010.

Portugal and New Jersey show favourable solar conditions

The relatively small solar markets, Portugal and New Jersey, USA, are showing favourable solar system returns despite other constraints, according to Lux Research.

Solar PV investment doubles to €70bn in 2015

Investment in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology could double from €35-40 billion in 2010 to over €70bn in 2015, according to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC).

NREL helps four solar start-ups to ramp up

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is helping four solar start-ups ramp up innovations through its Department of Energy (DoE) funded Incubator Program.

DoE awards US$145m for solar technologies

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced over US$145 million for advanced solar technologies to “help shape the next generation of solar energy technologies”.

SolarWorld closes California solar PV production

SolarWorld AG is closing down its solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities in Camarillo (CA, USA), but says it will retain and strengthen its sales and distribution efforts there.

Renewable energy financing hit by political uncertainty and financial woes

The Eurozone debt crisis and recent negotiations over US sovereign debt have had a negative impact on renewable energy financing, according to Ernst & Young.

Solyndra shutdown no surprise – IMS Research

The bankruptcy announcement from Solyndra last week “should really come as no surprise”, says IMS Research.

Solyndra files for bankruptcy – lays off 1100

US solar photovoltaic (PV) copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) module manufacturer Solyndra is suspending all manufacturing operations and is laying off 1100 employees as it files for bankruptcy.

Payom Solar acquires AMSOLAR Corporation

Germany's Payom Solar AG has acquired US-based AMSOLAR Corporation and thereby officially entered the North American solar market.

China tops Q2 solar PV module suppliers China tops Q2 solar PV module suppliers

The top three suppliers of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in the second quarter (Q2) of 2011 were Chinese, according to IMS Research.